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Senior Rf Engineer Jobs in Elkton, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Rf Engineer information

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How much do senior rf engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior rf engineer in Elkton, MD is $122,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,200.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior RF engineer?

Senior RF Engineers are experienced professionals who design, implement, and optimize radio frequency (RF) systems used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and other wireless communications. They are responsible for ensuring the performance and reliability of RF networks by conducting tests, troubleshooting issues, and developing solutions to improve signal quality. Senior RF Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and work closely with other departments to deliver effective wireless communication solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior RF engineer?

To thrive as a Senior RF Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of radio frequency theory, wireless communication systems, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with RF simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, or ADS), network analyzers, and certifications like Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable RF solutions, optimizing performance, and ensuring seamless integration in complex wireless environments.

What are some common technical challenges faced by senior RF engineers, and how are they typically addressed within engineering teams?

Senior RF Engineers often encounter challenges related to signal interference, system integration, and maintaining optimal performance under real-world conditions. These issues are typically addressed through collaborative troubleshooting with cross-functional teams, such as hardware, software, and test engineers. Utilizing advanced simulation tools, performing thorough field testing, and conducting design reviews are standard practices to ensure solutions are effective and reliable. Regular knowledge sharing within the team helps in quickly resolving complex RF problems and staying updated with evolving technologies.

What is the difference between Senior Rf Engineer vs RF Engineer?

AspectSenior RF EngineerRF Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like FCC or RF-specific coursesBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field, some certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and troubleshooting RF systems in labs or fieldAssist in RF system development, testing, and maintenance
ResponsibilitiesLead projects, optimize RF performance, mentor junior staffSupport RF design, perform measurements, and document results

The main difference lies in experience and responsibility level. Senior RF Engineers typically lead projects and mentor others, while RF Engineers focus on supporting design and testing tasks. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but the senior position involves more leadership and strategic planning.

Is RF engineering in demand?

RF engineering is in high demand due to the growth of wireless communication, 5G networks, and IoT devices. Senior RF engineers with expertise in signal processing, antenna design, and testing are sought after across telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries.

What does a senior RF engineer do?

A senior RF engineer designs, develops, and tests radio frequency systems and components used in wireless communication devices. They analyze signal performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with industry standards, often using tools like spectrum analyzers and simulation software. Their role requires strong technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience with RF design and testing processes.

What job categories do people searching Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Elkton, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Rf Engineer jobs in Elkton, MD are:

What cities near Elkton, MD are hiring for Senior Rf Engineer jobs?

Cities near Elkton, MD with the most Senior Rf Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Rf Engineer job openings in Elkton, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,581 per year, or $58.9 per hour.

Sr. Integration and Test Engineer (Hybrid- Aberdeen, Maryland)

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC

Aberdeen, MD • On-site

$130 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Sr. Integration and Test Engineer (Hybrid- Aberdeen, Maryland)

Full Time Engineering Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1757

Salary Range: $130,000.00 To $160,000.00 Annually

LTE 5G, SDR & Advanced Waveforms

Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
Work Schedule: Hybrid: (at least 3 days on site per week - workflow dependent)
Experience: 6-10 Years
Salary Range:$130,000 - $160,000

Position Overview

We are seeking a 5G L1/L2 Integration & Test Engineer to support the integration, testing, validation, and performance evaluation of LTE, 5G, Software Defined Radio (SDR), OpenAirInterface (OAI), and advanced military waveform technologies.

This is a hybrid position based at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, requiring approximately 2-3 days per week onsite to support laboratory activities, hardware integration, testing, and system demonstrations. The remaining work may be performed remotely.

The primary focus of this role is Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) integration and testing. The successful candidate will be responsible for configuring, operating, troubleshooting, and validating wireless systems while supporting laboratory environments used to evaluate waveform performance across a wide range of operational and radio frequency (RF) conditions.

In addition to LTE and 5G protocol integration activities, this engineer will help build, configure, automate, and maintain wireless test environments that support waveform development, interoperability testing, network validation, and performance characterization. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with LTE and 5G systems and enjoys solving complex integration challenges in both laboratory and operational environments.

Responsibilities

  • Support Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) integration, verification, and testing activities for LTE and 5G systems.
  • Develop and execute integration, validation, and performance test plans.
  • Configure, integrate, and troubleshoot LTE and 5G network components and supporting infrastructure.
  • Design, configure, and maintain wireless communications laboratories and test environments.
  • Build infrastructure supporting LTE, 5G, OpenAirInterface (OAI), Software Defined Radio (SDR), and advanced waveform development efforts.
  • Configure and integrate radio equipment, SDR platforms, network infrastructure, test instrumentation, and supporting software.
  • Develop test environments capable of evaluating waveform performance under varying RF, network, and operational conditions.
  • Configure and operate LTE and 5G systems for throughput, latency, reliability, handover, interoperability, and performance testing.
  • Support OpenAirInterface (OAI), Open RAN, LTE, and 5G experimentation activities.
  • Integrate channel emulators, traffic generators, RF impairment tools, and network simulation environments.
  • Analyze test results, identify root causes of performance issues, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Develop automation solutions for test execution, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, networking, RF, and system integration issues.
  • Maintain laboratory documentation, procedures, configurations, and test records.
  • Support demonstrations, field exercises, technology evaluations, and customer engagements as required.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline.
  • 4-8 years of experience supporting LTE and/or 5G Layer 1 (Physical Layer) and Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) integration, testing, validation, or system verification activities.
  • Experience preparing and executing LTE and 5G integration and test plans.
  • Experience configuring and operating LTE and/or 5G systems.
  • Experience troubleshooting LTE and 5G integration, interoperability, and performance issues.
  • Experience building, configuring, or maintaining communications test environments.
  • Familiarity with Linux-based development and testing environments.
  • Understanding of wireless communications principles, LTE/5G architectures, and network fundamentals.
  • Strong troubleshooting and systems integration skills.
  • Ability to independently build, configure, and maintain technical test environments.
  • Ability to work onsite at Aberdeen Proving Ground approximately 2-3 days per week.

Desired Qualifications

  • OpenAirInterface (OAI) experience.
  • Open RAN or O-RAN experience.
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR) experience.
  • Experience with gNodeB (gNB), Evolved NodeB (eNB), or core network integration.
  • Channel emulator experience.
  • Over-the-Air testing experience.
  • Experience with Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite communications.
  • Python-based automation experience.
  • Familiarity with automated test frameworks.
  • Experience with Keysight or Rohde & Schwarz test equipment.
  • Experience supporting government, defense, or telecommunications research and development programs.
  • Experience evaluating wireless systems under degraded, congested, contested, or interference-prone operating conditions.

Desired Technical Skills

  • LTE and 5G Integration Testing
  • Layer 1 (Physical Layer) Validation
  • Layer 2 (Medium Access Control Layer) Validation
  • Wireless Systems Integration
  • OpenAirInterface (OAI)
  • Open RAN / O-RAN
  • Software Defined Radio (SDR)
  • RF Laboratory Integration
  • RF Test and Measurement Equipment
  • Keysight Test Equipment
  • Wireless Network Validation
  • Test Automation
  • Python Scripting
  • Over-the-Air Testing
  • Network Performance Analysis
  • Laboratory Build-Out and Sustainment

What Success Looks Like

Within the first several months, you will:

  • Lead and support LTE and 5G Layer 1 and Layer 2 integration and validation activities.
  • Stand up and maintain wireless test environments supporting LTE, 5G, SDR, and advanced waveform development.
  • Configure laboratory infrastructure that enables repeatable testing across multiple operating scenarios.
  • Support integration and verification activities for both commercial and custom communications systems.
  • Improve the effectiveness and efficiency of test activities through automation and process improvements.
  • Enable engineers to evaluate waveform performance under a variety of realistic network and RF conditions.
  • Become a key contributor to the organization's wireless testing, integration, and advanced waveform evaluation capabilities.

Additional Information

This position requires hands-on interaction with laboratory equipment, LTE/5G systems, Software Defined Radios (SDRs), and communications infrastructure and therefore cannot be performed fully remotely. The hybrid work schedule is designed to provide flexibility while ensuring support for critical integration, testing, laboratory, and demonstration activities.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team supporting advanced wireless communications research, LTE and 5G experimentation, OpenAirInterface development, Software Defined Radio initiatives, and next-generation military waveform technologies.

At Fairwinds, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location and experience. Additional incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full time, exempt position.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

Must be eligible to work in the US.

AAP/EEO Statement

Fairwinds Technologies, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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